In his most recent collection of insider notes following the conclusion of the Winter Meetings, Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports reports that the Mets have shown interest in six-time All-Star Nelson Cruz.
Cruz, 38, just wrapped up the last year in a four-year, $57MM deal with the Seattle Mariners, completing his fifth consecutive year of 30+ homers and 90+ RBI, though admittedly falling down the ladder in terms of average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
Cruz’s .850 OPS made for his lowest total since his last year as a Texas Ranger in 2013, though a sprained ankle and a subsequently slow start (.221/.311/.427 line through May 23) certainly played a role in an otherwise solid campaign.
Since 2014, Cruz has obliterated left-handed pitching to a .295/.400/.584 clip, while boasting a 43.3% hard-hit rate. As a specialized weapon off the bench, the one-time Met farmhand could certainly contribute.
Unfortunately, the Mets would need to do their gymnastics to outbid the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins who, per Heyman, have both expressed interest as well, presumptively in a full-time DH role.
Though he can play in right field if needed, Cruz’s defensive metrics have been pretty weak across a relatively dated sample. He has only played nine games in right field since 2017, but has still combined for a -5.7 dWAR across his four years with Seattle.
The market for Cruz may not be as frantic relative to some of the league’s younger free agents, but the Mets will have their share of competition and obstacles on tap should they pursue.
